Techniques on Tuesday: Masking

Masking can be used to create a number of effects. Below are three different techniques for masking. The first way is stamping a group of images without overlapping images to create a bunch of flowers. The second way is using a mask to create a frame. And the last way is a variation called reverse masking.

Supplies that you will need: Stamps, ink, card stock, sponges, post-it notes, scissors and die cut images.

Timeless Tulip Card

For this card I first stamped the images that I wanted in the foreground of the bunch of tulips. In this case one tulip two stems and leaves.
Next I stamped the images onto a post-it note making sure that they were stamped over the sticky side and cut out.
NOTE: I always cut out 3-4 pages at the same time giving me extra masks to use at a later date.
When cutting these images from the post-it notes make sure you cut right on or a little inside the image outline.

Place your cut out masks over the images that are already stamped.
Now stamp more flowers, stems and leaves to create your bunch. NOTE: you may need to move your mask over or place some of the extra masks over stamped images to create a fuller bunch.
Remove your masks. They can be reused so keep them in the case with your stamp set.
Now it is ready to embellish and add your sentiment of choice.

Forever Fern Card

For this card I first stamped the sentiment in the middle of my card
Then I cut out a mask from a post-it note with a shape from the Stitched Rectangle die. Again cutting 3-4 sheets at once.

Placing the mask over my sentiment. NOTE: you could just place the mask first and stamp the sentiment later just make sure the mask is the right size for your sentiment
Using the stamp images from Forever Fern stamp set I created the frame but stamping on and around the mask to fill the space.
Now remove the mask.
Embellish to finish and adhere to your card base’s better than

Nothing’s Better Than Card

Reverse Masking – A variation by masking the outside and stamping or sponging inside the cut out masked area.

This time I cut a mask from another piece of card stock the same size as the one I will be stamping on. I die cut with one of the shapes from the Layering Circle Dies.
I also cut a mask from post-it notes of the cocktail glass from the Love you More Than Dies.

Lay the circle mask over the piece of card stock, worked out the position of where the cocktail glass to be. Then removed the mask and stamp the cocktail glass on the card.
Next place the cocktail glass mask on. NOTE: As this die cut mask is a little wider than the stamped image you will get a small un-inked line around the stamped image.
Now place the circle mask back on top.
Using sponges or a brayer add the ink colour to your card. Here I have attempted to create a sunset using 3 different coloured inks.
Once you are happy with the depth of colour remove your masks.
Finish by stamping the fill in stamps to the cocktail glass.
Embellish as you wish and adhere onto your card base.